Vancouver, CANADA – Within an hour of announcing its upcoming concert A Tribute to Ukraine, the VSO learned the heartbreaking news that Maestro Boris Brott, who was scheduled to conduct the April 20 concert, has tragically died after being struck by a car in Hamilton, ON. This is heartbreaking news for all who knew him, as well as Canada and the world’s music industry. Maestro Brott was one of Canada’s most internationally recognized and celebrated conductors, holding major positions as Music Director and Principal Guest Symphony and Opera Conductor in Canada, Europe, and the United States.
Following the previously stated artistic direction of Maestro Brott, the VSO will continue its presentation of A Tribute to Ukraine, both in support of the people of Ukraine and in memory of Maestro Brott, a Ukrainian-Canadian himself.
The tribute concert celebrates Ukrainian music and artistry. The concert’s net proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
As curated by Maestro Brott, included on the A Tribute to Ukraine program are the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems, and works by various Ukrainian composers, including Mykola Lysenko’s Prayer for Peace. Written in 1885, this work has become a spiritual anthem of Ukraine. Other repertoire includes works by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk, and Toronto-based Canadian-Ukrainian composer Larysa Kuzmenko.
Angela Elster, CEO and President of the VSO and the VSO School of Music says: “The VSO and the VSO School of Music’s collective hearts grew that much heavier today. The loss of Maestro Brott is terribly shocking news for his family, for our sector, and of course for all of us here at the VSO. And yet, the VSO’s commitment to our mission ‘to create, curate and connect irresistible musical experiences’ continues throughout times of crisis – both here at home and across the globe. The VSO is determined to keep the music going so that our community has a place for the expression of heartbreak and grief. Let music bring us together so that we are elevated, inspired, and find comfort in one another and the VSO’s music.”
The VSO will share the details on the alternate conductor for the concert as soon as they are available.
All tickets to A Tribute to Ukraine are $33. Tickets have been priced affordably to encourage attendance and allow people to come together in community during a time of global crisis.
Tickets are on sale April 6 at 3pm and can be purchased online at vancouversymphony.ca (24 hours a day) or via telephone at 604-876-3434 (Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 1-5pm).
For more information on the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra visit VancouverSymphony.ca.
For more information on the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal visit RedCross.ca.
